A look at life from a pastor's point of view

Biblical Manhood

Recently while looking through a stack of papers that had collected on the bookshelf in the garage, I found something precious, challenging, and meaningful to my heart. Immediately I recognized the handwriting on the stenographer’s note paper as being my precious dad’s penmanship.

At the top of the page were the words, “Jer. 5:1,2 Search for a Man,” and in the right corner, he had penned my name. This was one of his many ways of encouraging his son, of being a mentor to me. The writing is below.

God is looking for:

A man who will not lose his individuality in a crowd.

A man of convictions who is willing to say “no” when all others are saying “yes.”

A man who is upright, pure, and generous.

A man that’s not a coward in any of his parts; no fear of man.

A man with balanced character, conviction, and consecration.

A man who wants substance rather than show.

A man who will be the conscience in his society in which he lives.

A man who delights in the privilege to glorify Jesus Christ.

A man who is dogmatic in his loyalty to the Bible, even if it costs him his friends.

A man who is determined to stand for Christ even if it becomes unpopular cause.

A man who denounces sin without apology in high or low.

A man who has a desire to fellowship with good men.

A man who displays compassion for lost souls.

A man dominated by the control of the Holy Spirit.

A man who knows how to discern between love that is based on truth or mere sentimentality.

A man who has a decisive desire to build a strong Christian home.

A man who walks in the will of God.

Thanks, Dad, that even after departing this earth sixteen years ago, your influence is still strong in my life! Thanks for being that kind of man. By God’s grace and for His glory, I want to be that man, too!

Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem,look and take note!Search her squares to seeif you can find a man,one who does justiceand seeks truth. (Jeremiah 5:1)

Our greatest and most important investment in 2019 involves our personal relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. The statement of the Apostle Paul found in Philippians 1:21, For to me to live is Christ, and in 3:8, 10, Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord . . . that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.

With that in mind, I want to share some resources to help you move forward in your walk with Christ, your growth in the knowledge of God and the application of the Word of God on a daily basis for 2019.

Besides your passion to read God’s Word in 2019, what else to you plan to read in this new year?

This list could go on and on, and I even feel guilty for leaving them out, but this is just a mere sampling of some good, helpful reads. I would also encourage you to visit the online bookstore of christlifemin.org and check out their devotionals, books on prayer, parenting, manhood, etc.

Indeed, “Leaders are readers.” Men let’s go against the grain and be men who read and lead! Are you ready?